Inflation, Rates and Iran War Pressures Squeeze Americans' Wallets in 2026

16 articles · Updated · KATV · May 27

Inflation, elevated interest rates and pressure tied to the Iran war are still weighing on U.S. household finances, according to former White House economic adviser Steve Moore.
Moore told Jan Jeffcoat those three forces are driving the economic strain Americans feel most directly in everyday spending and borrowing costs.
The discussion framed the story as a pocketbook issue, focusing on how broader geopolitical and monetary pressures are filtering through to consumers.
The segment aired on The National News Desk's weekday morning program, which runs from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. EST.

As war costs mount, which will break first: America's munitions stockpile or the global economy?

With peace talks failing over the nuclear issue, what are the 'other options' the White House is preparing?